Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Today Jesus tells us that the return of the prophet Elijah, which the people of God eagerly awaited before the coming of the Messiah, had already taken place with the coming of John the Baptist. The first reading tells us what Elijah would do upon his return. Among other things, he would “turn back the hearts of fathers towards their sons.”
With this in mind, it is curious that Jesus uses the term “Son of Man” to refer to himself when speaking to the disciples. He is our God who for our sake became our son. Upon his second coming will our hearts be turned to him? Now is the time for this conversion. So that the words of John the Baptist might not be in vain, let us prepare!